TravelsandEscapes

Travel socks make excellent cases for your sunglasses, for small souvenirs, as a makeshift screen cleaner, and as slippers.

Have a bug bite? Use that tiny bar of soap from the hotel, wet it a little, and rub it on the bite. Then, take the bar with you to take the itch out of that bite later in the day.

Did your shoes end up with water or salt stains during the day and you need to wear them again at night? Try rubbing a small amount of liquid shampoo on your shoes. Just a small amount rubbed in circles with a clean cloth can do wonders.

You’ve probably already encountered parking fees at major downtown hotels in large cities. It’s just part of the visit. But, did you know some suburban hotels with large parking lots are now charging to park? They typically don’t tell you that on their website. Ask before you book or check all sites like Expedia, etc. before you book. The reviews may tell you what to expect.

If you are traveling to Europe and need a rental car, book from a US based company before you go. Typically the charge will be less than if you rented while in Europe.

What happens when you rent a car, then tell the rental counter your spouse may be driving it as well? Do they add additional charges for the second driver? California prohibits those charges and New York caps the charges at $3 per day. Check with your rental company before you go. If you are a member of their frequent renter program, chances are the fee will be waived.

If you travel, you’ve already found great tips and tricks that work for you. Check out these reminders and some new tips.

Save your bubble wrap when you receive a package with fragile contents. Use it to protect your valuables when packing. It works for bringing home souvenirs or protecting your tablet in your carry on.

Save that tissue paper from the department store. Use it to layer between your clothes, roll your clothes with the tissue inside, or ball it up to put in shoes, purses, or hats.

According to several travel websites, these are some of the destinations you might want to look at for your 2015 travels.

Japan: They are gearing up to host the 2020 Summer Olympics and that means new hotels, visitor centers, and venues. Their new bullet train route debuts in March…a big deal as it cuts travel time in half for the beautiful coastal route. On a somber note, 2015 marks the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Both cities have educational peace parks and museums.

England: Did you know 2015 marks the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta? This historic document, along with an original copy of the US Bill of Rights will be on display in the British Library.

Toronto, Canada: In July the Pan American Games will take place for two weeks here. Like the Olympics, these happen every four years and include a must-see opening ceremony. Usually, tickets for these events are more affordable…making this the best place to see athletes from around the world compete in everything from diving to gymnastics to figure skating and more.

Milan, Italy: The Expo 2015 Milano will be held in Milan from May 1 through October 21. With more than 247 acres for the event, this year the Expo’s theme is “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life.  Foods, traditions, sustainability efforts, and technological innovations will all be highlighted.

Traveling at the holidays? Do you have your list ready? If not…take a look at this one and then customize it to meet your needs. 

WE are delighted to announce the launch of the WE Magazine for Women Holiday Gift-Giving Guide for 2014!

When booking your flights and you have a connecting flight, how much time do you allow between those? 

Obviously, the amount of time you need to leave between flights depends on the airport, the airline, the weather, customs, security, and switching terminals…to name a few. 

Scheduling a safe amount of time saves you hassle and unwanted stress. But, how much time is that? Most sites tell you to leave at least 90 minutes between flights. That’s the ideal amount. 

For international flights that connect with domestic flights, you will need to leave enough time to clear customs. And, that can vary widely in airports.

When traveling to a foreign country, it seems like I always have some leftover cash. If I know I’m going back to that country, I’ll save it. However, if I don’t want to remember where I put it for next time…here’s an idea.

Before you go on your trip, purchase a Starbucks coffee card. Then, before your return trip home, go to the Starbucks in the airport…there’s always at least one. Take your extra change and currency and use it to add to the value of the card. 

No leftover change…extra money on your Starbucks card.

If you don’t drink coffee, you can always use it for a gift. 

If you use a packing list, you probably won’t forget important items. If you don’t use a list…at least plan ahead to remember everything you need for your upcoming trip.

Are you traveling to a country where you need an adapter for your electronics? If so, do you know which one you need? It’s best to plan this ahead of time to avoid looking for the right adapter at the last minute. No sense buying an expensive one in an airport gift shop.

Do you know the weight restrictions on your luggage…both carry on and checked? Good idea to check before you arrive at the airport.

Do you need any immunizations? If so, do you know how far in advance you should get them?

Have you broken in your new shoes?

Do you need or want a special meal on the plane? If so, have you ordered it?

Did you book your pet or house sitters?

The Stags Leap District of Napa Valley, California turns 25 this year. It was officially recognized as an American Viticulture Area (AVA) in 1989. However, cabernet sauvignon vines weren’t planted there until 1961. This area of the Valley is known for its cool breezes, clay and loam soil, and gentle hills. Wines produced here are known for their soft, rich tannins and impressive ageability.

In 1976 the 1973 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellers Cabernet Sauvignon took first place at the Judgement of Paris tasting, which propelled this AVA into fame. Ten years later another Stags Leap District wine, the 1972 Clos du Val Cabernet Sauvignon took first place at the 10 year anniversary of the Paris tasting.

Stags Leap District is the smallest AVA by planted acreage in Napa Valley.